Media and Communications After Incidents

Serious construction incidents attract immediate media attention from local and national news outlets.
Only authorised company representatives should speak to journalists, film crews, or social media reporters.
Photographs, videos, and comments posted on social media by workers can prejudice investigations and legal proceedings.
The HSE, police, and emergency services may impose media cordons and control information release.
Incorrect or premature statements can cause reputational damage, legal liability, and regulatory complications.
Families of injured or deceased workers must be informed privately before any public statement is issued.
A pre-prepared crisis communication plan ensures the company responds quickly and appropriately.
All workers should know who the designated spokesperson is and how to direct media enquiries to them.
Social media posts by witnesses can spread inaccurate information rapidly, inflaming public concern.
Post-incident communications should express concern for those affected without admitting liability.

Protect the investigation	Premature statements and social media posts can compromise HSE and police investigations into the incident.
Respect for those affected	Families and injured persons must be informed privately — not through media reports or social media.
Legal protection	Uncontrolled comments can be used as evidence in prosecutions, inquests, and civil liability claims.

Do

Don't

Direct all media enquiries to the designated company spokesperson without comment
Follow the site crisis communication plan immediately after a serious incident
Ensure families of injured or deceased persons are notified before any public statement
Cooperate with HSE and emergency services regarding information release and media cordons
Brief all workers that media enquiries must be referred to the spokesperson only
Prepare a factual holding statement that expresses concern without admitting fault
Record the names and outlets of any journalists who contact site personnel
Secure the incident scene to prevent unauthorised photography or filming by media
Review all communications with legal counsel before issuing formal public statements
Remind workers that social media posts about the incident may have legal consequences

DON'T speak to journalists or media representatives unless you are the authorised spokesperson
DON'T post photographs, videos, or comments about the incident on social media
DON'T speculate about the cause of the incident to colleagues, media, or the public
DON'T allow media access to the incident scene or any restricted area of the site
DON'T issue public statements before families of those affected have been notified
DON'T admit liability or blame individuals in any post-incident communication
DON'T ignore media enquiries — redirect them promptly to the designated spokesperson
DON'T share investigation findings or internal reports with anyone outside the company
DON'T respond to social media speculation or rumours about the incident publicly
DON'T delete social media posts after the fact — this may be treated as destroying evidence

See also: Accident and Incident Reporting (RIDDOR) | Incident Investigation Process

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